American Horror Story: Roanoke

Definition

American Horror Story: Roanoke is the sixth season of the anthology horror television series, characterized by its unique format that blends documentary-style storytelling with traditional narrative elements. It centers around the mysterious disappearance of the Roanoke Colony in the late 16th century, weaving in folklore and urban legends related to the supernatural and horrifying events that take place in the North Carolina woods.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The season features a unique narrative style that combines both found footage and reenactments, adding a layer of realism and engagement for viewers.
2. Key elements of American Horror Story: Roanoke include themes of survival, paranoia, and the influence of historical events on modern horror narratives.
3. The show incorporates various historical figures and legends surrounding the Roanoke Colony, blending fiction with real-life mystery.
4. The use of the 'My Roanoke Nightmare' documentary within the season reflects the popularity of true crime and supernatural reality shows in contemporary media.
5. Roanoke explores the consequences of cultural appropriation and exploitation of indigenous narratives, presenting a critical view of horror tropes in storytelling.

Review Questions

• How does American Horror Story: Roanoke utilize documentary-style storytelling to enhance its horror elements?
  • American Horror Story: Roanoke uses documentary-style storytelling by incorporating found footage and interviews with characters who recount their terrifying experiences. This format adds authenticity and immerses viewers into the story, making the horror feel more relatable and real. The blending of fiction with this documentary approach allows for a deeper exploration of themes like fear, memory, and history, making the horror elements even more impactful.
• In what ways does Roanoke draw on historical events surrounding the Lost Colony to build its narrative?
  • Roanoke draws on the real-life mystery of the Lost Colony by integrating historical references and speculation about what happened to its inhabitants. The show reimagines this historical backdrop through fictional characters who encounter supernatural forces linked to the colony’s disappearance. This connection between historical events and fictional horror creates a rich narrative tapestry that invites viewers to ponder the blurred lines between myth and reality.
• Evaluate the significance of folklore in American Horror Story: Roanoke and its impact on contemporary horror storytelling.
  • Folklore plays a crucial role in American Horror Story: Roanoke, as it intertwines traditional legends with modern horror narratives. By incorporating creatures like the Wendigo and elements of indigenous folklore, the series not only pays homage to cultural stories but also critiques how these tales are often appropriated or misunderstood in contemporary media. This integration of folklore enhances the depth of the horror while also provoking discussions about representation, authenticity, and the evolution of horror as a genre rooted in cultural fears.

Related terms

Lost Colony: Refers to the Roanoke Colony, an English settlement established in 1585 that vanished without a trace, leading to ongoing speculation and numerous theories about its fate.

Wendigo: A mythological creature from Algonquian folklore, often associated with cannibalism and winter, which embodies the darker aspects of human nature and survival.

Haunting: The belief or experience that a place is inhabited by spirits or ghosts, often tied to stories of tragic events or unresolved pasts.